§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when each of the three aircraft carriers are expected to reach the end of their service lives. [20076]
§ Dr. ReidHM Ships Invincible, Illustrious and Ark Royal were commissioned in July 1980, June 1982 and November 1985 respectively. The life expectancy of the Invincible Class aircraft carriers is expected to be in the order of 30 years, although this will be kept under review.